School District of Palm Beach County, Florida
Department of Multicultural Education
Department of Public Affairs
CELEBRATING HAITIAN HERITAGE
A Teacher’s Resource Guide
Palm Beach County
Florida
Bito
Prepared by
David, Public Affairs Specialist
Department of Multicultural Education - Department of Public Affairs
[email protected]
April 2005
The School District of Palm Beach County, Florida
Mission Statement
The School Board of Palm Beach County is committed to excellence in education and
preparation of all our students with the knowledge, skills and ethics required for responsible
citizenship and productive employment.
School Board Members
Tom Lynch, Chairman
William Graham, Vice Chairman
Monroe Benaim, MD
Paulette Burdick
Mark Hansen
Dr. Sandra Richmond
Debra Robinson, MD
Superintendent
Arthur C. Johnson, Ph.D.
Chief Academic Officer
Ann Killets
Chief Officer of Administration
Gerald Williams
Assistant Superintendent, Curriculum and Learning Support
Wayne Gent
Executive Director
Multicultural Education Department
Margarita P. Pinkos, Ed.D.
Chief Public Information Officer
Public Affairs Department
Nat Harrington
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
HAITIAN HERITAGE COMMITTEE MEMBERS
Bito David, Public Affairs Specialist, Department of Public Affairs
Jacques Eric Toussaint, Translator/Interpreter Department of Multicultural Education
Roody Barthèlemy, Translator/Interpreter, Department of Multicultural Education
Bernadette Guirand Léger, Executive Director, Joseph Laurore Foundation
Roger Pierre, President, Bel’Art Promotions
Florence Elie, Community Liaison
Kettly Denis, Secretary - Building Department
Sandra Mondesir Leonard, Project Analyst - Department of Public Affairs
Nuncia François Lowery, Manager - Department of Multicultural Education
Maryse Glaze, Specialist - Employment Services
Lisa Lee, Program Planner - Department of Multicultural Education
Connie Berry, Specialist - Department of Multicultural Education
Charlemagne Baptiste, ESOL Recruiter - Department of Multicultural Education
ESSAY CONTEST JUDGING COMMITTEE MEMBERS
Jenny Porro, Resource Teacher - Department of Multicultural Education
Thérèse Legitime, Resource Teacher - Department of Multicultural Education
Sheila Acevedo, Manager - Alternative Education
Dr. Aurora François, Assistant Principal - Atlantic High School
Mark Ntem, Resource Teacher - Department of Multicultural Education
Theomane Dorleans, John I. Leonard High School
BOOKLET EDITOR
Deborah Stewart, Communications Specialist - Department of Public Affairs
Lisa Lee, Program Planner, Department of Multicultural Education
GRAPHICS DESIGN AND LAYOUT
Bito David, Public Affairs Specialist - Department of Public Affairs
TABLE OF CONTENTS
SECTION I: TEACHERS’ RESOURCES
Why Celebrate Haitian Heritage Month?
1
Suggested School Activities
2
The Haitian American Studies in the Multicultural Curricula
3
Sample Lesson Plan
4
Lesson Plan Ideas
6
Topics for Lesson Units
8
Frequently Asked Questions About Haiti
15
End of Lesson Units Assessment: Quiz Questions and Answers
19
Haitian Creole Basic Expressions for Teachers
23
SECTION II: HISTORY OF THE HAITIAN HERITAGE MONTH
Haitian Heritage Celebration Historical Background
27
Haitian Heritage Month Past Activities
29
Success Stories: Yearly Programs and Activities Showcasing the Haitian Culture
30
APPENDICES
A. Haiti’s Flag and Coat of Arms
33
B. Map of Haiti
34
C. Age/Grade Level Comparison Between the Haitian and the U.S. System of Education
35
D. The Haitian Heritage Month Resolution
36
E. The April 2003 Press Release
37
F. Proposed Statewide Haitian Heritage Month Resolution in Florida
38
G. Photographs of School/District Activities
39
H. Quiz Answers
41
I.
42
References
SECTION I: TEACHERS’ RESOURCES
WHY CELEBRATE HAITIAN HERITAGE MONTH?
Currently, the School District of Palm Beach County, Florida, serves
approximately 13,000 Haitian students which represent the highest student
population from a single country, about 8% of the total student population.
Haitian students speak Haitian Creole as their native language, the second
largest minority language spoken in the schools. It is important to
recognize that these figures only refer to students who were born in Haiti
and do not reflect all the students of Haitian heritage born outside of Haiti.
Recognizing the contributions of Haitian and Haitian American students to
the diversity of our district, the School Board of Palm Beach County has
designated the month of May as Haitian Heritage Month. The celebration
of the Haitian Heritage Month provides students and community members
the opportunity to share and demonstrate pride in Haitian culture and
history while maintaining self-esteem and self-identity.
Haitian students bring a rich cultural heritage and pride in the epic history
of their country, which brilliantly marks the history of the world. These
students overcome major challenges, study, and work hard in order to
succeed in their new environment, with the goal of becoming responsible
citizens.
Haiti is the country formerly known as “The Pearl of the Antilles,” a place
of beauty, a magic land, and the beacon of Black freedom in the Western
hemisphere. Due to the lack of consistent political stability, Haitians
continue to battle to sustain economic growth, social progress, and
international recognition.
This resource guide was developed to assist teachers in celebrating Haitian
Heritage and integrating Haitian history and culture into the curriculum
throughout the year. The guide is divided into two sections:
•
•
Section I: Teachers’ resources
Section II: The history of the Haitian Heritage Month
1
SUGGESTED SCHOOL ACTIVITIES
To celebrate the Haitian Heritage Month at the schools, teachers, staff and students can organize any type of activities geared towards sharing the Haitian culture and history. Here are
some suggestions:
1. School marquee/banner or front office display reminding everyone that May is Haitian Heritage Month
2. Display of flag, map of Haiti, pictures of outstanding
Haitians, Haitian artifacts, Haitian icons, historical
places, Haitian paintings, Haitian books etc.
3. Morning trivia about Haiti
4. Morning presentation on Haitian history and culture
5. School essay contest about Haiti’s history and culture
6. Class research and activities related to Haitian culture,
geography, history, etc. Download lesson plans from
www.palmbeach.k12.fl.us/multicultural/
7. Special presentations by community cultural groups
8. Special presentations by storytellers
9. Presentation by artists, musicians, school groups
10. Special presentations by cultural consultants
11. Invitation of motivational speakers for presentation
12. Invitation of education supporters and community
leaders for speech
13. Organize cultural night with a rich and varied agenda
14. Utilize the Palm Beach Post Insert on Haiti
15. Have students participate in the Haitian
Heritage Month essay contest organized by the district
16. Have students participate in the Haitian
Heritage Month poster contest organized by the district
2
Haitian Heritage Month
Celebration Highlights
THE HAITIAN AMERICAN STUDIES IN THE MULTICULTURAL CURRICULA
•
•
•
•
The studies reflect the district's commitment to the Haitian population that lives in South
Florida and other parts of America.
Palm Beach County-like Dade County-has the distinction of being among the top areas
in America that claim large numbers of Haitian nationals.
Conducting research and developing curriculum about Haitian history; organizing and
implementing teacher and student training about Haitian culture and history; working
with Haitian community organizations that are interested in supporting student learning;
and identifying sources for references about Haitian culture and history for use in schools
are all part of the Haitian and Haitian American Studies initiative.
They are downloadable, one-day lesson plans that include historical/cultural reading passages and quizzes for student FCAT practice in reading and writing.
For more information, contact Lisa Lee, Multicultural Curriculum Program Planner, at 434-8774.
THE HAITIAN AMERICAN STUDIES CURRICULUM MATRIX
The Haitian American Curriculum Matrix contains lesson units in the area of Social Studies
and Language Arts, covering grades K through 12. The units are as follows:
SOCIAL STUDIES
K
1st
2nd
3rd
4th
5th
Haiti: How
do we get
there?
I’ll Fly Away
Haitian Art
The Pirates
of the
Caribbean
How many
days to
America?
Letters from
Haiti
6th
7th
8th
9th
10th
11th
12th
African
Slaves in
Haiti
The Early
History of
Haiti
Jean Baptiste
DuSable
Failing
Ecosystems
Haiti:
Expansionist Democratic
Exploration
Era of the
and
and
Spanish/
Authoritative
Colonization French Era Rule in Haiti
LANGUAGE ARTS
K
1st
2nd
3rd
4th
5th
Tap-Tap
“Horse and
Toad”
Running the
Road to ABC
Painted
Dreams
Please
Malese
The Magic
Orange Tree
6th
7th
8th
9th
10th
11th
12th
The Magic
Orange Tree
The Magic
Orange Tree
The Magic
Orange Tree
Invisible
People
Edwidge
Danticat
René
Depestre
Patrick
Sylvain
With the lesson plans there is a “K-12 Haitian and Haitian American Teacher Resource”
package. You can get a copy by visiting: http://www.palmbeach.k12.fl.us/multicultural
3
SAMPLE LESSON PLAN: The Early History of Haiti *
Content/Theme:
Explorers
Textbook Connections:
•
Grade:
Seventh Grade
Western Hemisphere. 2001. Prentice Hall.
Chapter 12, section 3, pages 313-317 After reading about European Conquest, explore
the early history of Haiti.
•
Chapter 15, section 2, pages 383-387 After reading about Haiti’s search for
democracy, explore the early history of Haiti.
Benchmarks:
•
S.S.A. 3.3.4: Knows significant historical leaders who have influenced the course of
events in Eastern and Western civilization since the Renaissance.
•
S.S.B. 1.3.3: Knows the social, political, and economic divisions on Earth’s surface.
Objective:
SAMPLE
1. Students will learn about the people who have inhabited the island of Hispaniola.
2. Students will understand the early history of Haiti.
Teacher Preparation/Materials:
•
Multicultural information
•
Maps of Caribbean
•
Quiz
Activities:
1. Background Knowledge: place students in pairs and ask them to list some of the
places that Columbus explored on his first journey to the Americas. Have pairs report
and point out the islands of the Caribbean on a map. Point out the island of Haiti and
the Dominican Republic and tell students this island, called Hispaniola, was one of the
first islands explored by Columbus. Ask students if they think this large island with
many resources was inhabited, or uninhabited. Tell students they will be learning
about the early history of Haiti.
2. Use the multicultural information as a read aloud, shared or paired reading.
3. Geography activity - after or during reading, have students fill out a blank map of the
of island of Hispaniola with the following information:
* See next page
4
LESSON PLAN SAMPLE (cont’d) *
•
Title the map with all of the different names given to the island.
•
Draw a representation of the native populations found on the island.
•
On the island, draw in pictures of the natural resources found by the inhabitants
and the explorers. Draw a key of the resources on the side of the map
•
Write in the approximate location of Columbus’ landing.
4. History activities – group students and have them choose one of the following:
•
Write an imaginary diary entry of an explorer on Columbus’ ship. Have the
explorer speak about the native population and describe the island.
•
Write a newspaper article detailing Columbus’ dealings on Hispaniola.
•
Make a time line showing the events described in the reading passage.
5. Reading activities:
SAMPLE
•
Ask them to create sentences using the bold vocabulary words in the passage.
•
Have students make a fill-in-the-blank quiz with the sentences they create.
•
Have students fill out a quiz
ESOL Strategies: Cooperative learning, alternative assessment, read aloud
Review of Lesson and Assessment:
•
Completion of geography, history or reading activities, quiz
Resources:
Hermann, B. & Montas M. (1975). Haiti. editions du Pacifique.
Meltzer, Milton. (1992).Columbus and the world around him. New York: Franklin Watts, Inc.
Rodman, S. (1978). Haiti: the Black republic. 4th ed. Devin-Adair, Co.
Rogozinski, Jan. (2000). A brief history of the Caribbean. New York: Plume Publishing Co.
Showker, Kay. (1989). The outdoor traveler’s guide to the Caribbean. New York: Stewart,
Tabori and Chang.
* For complete lesson, including reading passage and quiz, go to:
http://www.palmbeach.k12.fl.us/Multicultural/curriculum/Haiti/EarlyHistoryofHaiti.pdf
5
LESSON PLAN IDEAS
FOR BIOGRAPHIES, FAQS, AND QUIZ QUESTIONS
Lesson Objectives:
• Increase cultural literacy of students through identifying key dates, figures, and places in
Haitian History and culture
• Increase reading and speaking abilities by participating in group work and reporting to class
• Apply learning by matching/relating a personality or place to student’s own life
• Encourage respect and pride for Heritage in one’s own culture
K-12 Curricula Integration/Benchmarks covered:
• Language Arts LA.A 1.2.1, LA.D.1.3.2, LA.D.1.4.1
• Social Studies S.S.A. 3.1.2, S.S.A. 3.3.4, S.S.A. 3.10
Materials/Preparation needed:
• Read through teacher’s guide as an overview of Haitian history, contributions, and culture.
Prepare overheads or copies of biographies, and famous places for group work, Haitian Flag
and Motto, and assessment
Activities: Activities should be modified for varying abilities and grade level:
1. Prepare the class for activities by explaining the reasons for celebrating Haitian Heritage
Month. Use as a transparency or hand out “What do you think” activity on next page. (The
activity is meant to start a conversation with the class about what they already know about Haiti.
This may also be done with a KWL.)
Ask if there are any Haitian students who would like to tell the class about previous celebrations
for Flag Day of which they have been involved. Show the handout/transparency of the explanation of the creation and colors of the Haitian Flag and motto.
2. Biography Game: The Haitian biographies/places are placed into five (5) sections: Forefathers, U.S. Politics, International Figures, and Celebrities, and Monuments. Group students into
groups of five (5) and tell each group they will be reading about people and places from Haiti.
Give each group multiple copies of one particular section. Have students read the biographies
aloud in their group. Students are then to make up one question about their biography and pose it
to the class. Students should provide the answer and report to the class what they have learned.
Keep score for correct answers and write answers on chart paper for all to see.
3. For Frequently Asked Questions, cut up questions in to sections and have student groups ask
each other the questions about their section. Keep score to reward the winning group.
4. Have students choose a personality that they relate to, or someone and write a paragraph
about why they are like that person – or find them interesting.
5. Students can create a replica of the flag or make a representation of their famous person
or monument and then decorate the room.
6. Internet Scavenger Hunt: for the end of the unit assessment, give as an individual or group
test. Allow students to refer to the biographies or search the Internet for answers to the questions.
6
WHAT DO YOU THINK?
Haitian History and Culture
Mark YES or NO next to the following statements. After you are completed,
pair with a partner, or discuss as a class why you agreed or disagreed.
_____ The colors of the Haitian flag were chosen by the French government.
_____ There is a fortress larger than any in the Western hemisphere atop a
large mountain in Haiti.
_____ Haiti was the first Black nation in the Western hemisphere that fought
and won their independence.
_____ Haiti is its own island.
_____ The official languages of Haiti are Haitian Creole and French.
_____ There are many Haitian Americans who hold offices in U.S. and Local
Governments.
_____ Haiti’s exports include baseballs, coffee, and textiles.
_____ A Haitian trader and explorer, Jean Baptiste Point DuSable, established
the first permanent dwelling near the Chicago River, therefore helping
to found the city long ago.
_____ Haiti’s most popular sport is soccer.
7
TOPICS FOR LESSON UNITS
HISTORY: The Forefathers of Haiti’s Independence
Jean-Jacques Dessalines, 1758 - 1806
Founder and first head of state of Haiti, he was proclaimed Emperor under
the name of “Jacques the 1st”. As commander in chief of the indigenous
army, Dessalines is recognized as the father of the country’s independence,
won with the defeat of the army of Napoleon at the Battle of Vertieres on
November 18, 1803.
Toussaint Louverture, 1743 - 1803
Toussaint Louverture was born a slave near Cap-Haitien. When Napoleon
sent a French expedition to re-establish slavery on the island, he fought
against General Leclerc and declared himself Governor of Haiti. Known as
the “Black Spartacus”, and the “Precursor” of the independence of Haiti,
Toussaint is one of the founders and heroes of the Republic of Haiti.
Henry Christophe, 1747 - 1820
The first black king in the western hemisphere, crowned on June 2, 1811
as “King Henry I”. He is one of the three principal figures in the Haitian
revolution with Dessalines and Toussaint. He enlisted with the “Chasseurs
Volontaires”, and fought memorably alongside George Washington’s
troops at the battle of Savannah in the war for the American independence.
He is the prodigious constructor of the Citadelle considered by Haitians as
the eighth wonder of the world.
Alexandre Pétion, 1770 - 1818
Pétion was a mulatto who fought alongside Dessalines for the independence of Haiti. In 1806, he became president of the republic. Under his
leadership, Haiti provided to the Spanish revolutionist, Simon Bolivar,
military assistance,
including money, weapons, ammunitions and
volunteer soldiers, to help free what are known today as the Bolivarian
Countries (Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia) in South America.
Charlemagne Péralte, 1886 -1919
Haitian charismatic and legendary hero who led the Haitian peasants’
revolt against the 1915 occupation of Haiti by American forces. A former
army officer, he embodies to this day, Haitian patriotism and national
resistance at their best. Betrayed by one of his compatriots, he was killed
by a marine sergeant on November 1, 1919.
8
TOPICS FOR LESSON UNITS
U.S. POLITICS: Outstanding Haitians in US politics
Phillip J. Brutus, State Representative, Florida
First Haitian elected to the Florida House of Representative in 2000, he
was also the first City Councilman. At his swearing ceremony in the Legislature Brutus told Island Magazine Television, “ I stood here representing
the Haitian nation, all black people, all immigrants, all poor people… who
dreamed of the day.” He co-sponsored a bill adopted on Thursday, April
22, 2004, to recognize January 1, 2004 “ Republic of Haiti Day”.
Pierre-Richard Prosper, Ambassador-at-large,
Office of War Crimes Issues
Pierre Richard Prosper was nominated by President Bush on May 16,
2001, to be the U. S. Ambassador-at-Large for War Crimes Issues. In this
position, he advises the secretary of state directly and formulates U. S.
policy responses to atrocities committed in areas of conflict in the world.
Marie P. St. Fleur, State Representative, Massachusetts
First Haitian American to hold elected office in Massachusetts. A graduate
of Boston College Law School, St. Fleur began her legal career in 1987 in
the Office of the District Attorney of Middlesex County. In 1991, she was
appointed Assistant Attorney General in the Trial Division of the Office of
the Attorney General, where she rose to become Chief of the Unemployment Fraud division. In 1999, she was elected to the Massachusetts House
of Representatives from the Fifth Suffolk District.
Josaphat Celestin, Mayor of City of North Miami
Josaphat Celestin is the Mayor of North Miami, Miami-Dade’s fourthlargest city. With a population of nearly 60,000, the city is now believed
to be the nation’s largest city with a Haitian American mayor. The election
of Josaphat Celestin marks the new spirit of the Haitian immigrants in
South Florida fighting to get political clout.
Jean Baptiste Point DuSable, 1745 - 1818
Founder of the City of Chicago
Born a free man in St. Marc, Haiti, this Haitian trader founded the city of
Chicago by establishing the first permanent dwelling near the mouth of the
Chicago River. His trading post was the main supply station for white trappers, traders, les coureurs de bois, and Native Americans.
9
TOPICS FOR LESSON UNITS
Outstanding International Haitian Figures
Pierre Toussaint, Nominee for Canonization
Pierre Toussaint is the only Haitian American recognized for canonization
by the Catholic Church. He was born in Haiti in 1766 as a house slave. He
moved to New York with his slave master in 1787 where he spent a life of a
devout Christian helping the unfortunate, the sick and the dying people. He
received from Pope John Paul II the title of Venerable in 1996.
Rose Marie Toussaint
Born in Haiti, she was seven years old when a voodoo priest told her that
she would be a physician and a surgeon. She has said, “that prediction
molded my determination and protected me from the many obstacles that I
had to face in my journey to become the first black female director of a liver
transplant service in the world. She wrote Never Question the Miracle: A
Surgeon’s Story, in part to tell youths that working hard is rewarding.
Edwidge Danticat, Novelist, Writer
At an astonishingly young age, Edwidge Danticat has become one of our
most celebrated novelists, a writer who evokes the wonder, terror, and
heartache of her native Haiti and the enduring strength of Haiti’s women
with a vibrant imagery and narrative grace that bear witness to her people’s
suffering and courage. She received a National Book Award Nomination for
her collection of stories Krik? Krak? and was featured in a New York Times
article that named “30 Under 30” creative people to watch.
John James Audubon, Naturalist, Ornithologist, and Artist
Born in Haiti and educated in France, he settled in United States at age 18
and began compiling drawings and paintings of local wildlife. From 1827 to
1838, Audubon published “Birds of America”, a collection of life-sized,
hand-colored folio plates of native birds. The National Audubon Society
was founded in his honor.
René Godefroy, Motivational Inspirational Speaker
A nationally-known, award-winning author, and inspirational speaker
unique in America. He is sought by Fortune 500 companies such as AT&T,
Coca-Cola, Charles Schwab to help raise the bar of excellence and increase
productivity. He was born in a tiny village in Haiti. He survived poverty to
rise to international prominence.
10
TOPICS FOR LESSON UNITS
Outstanding Figures in Arts and Entertainment
Wyclef Jean, Composer, Musician, Entertainer
Wyclef Jean is one of the most famous and successful hip-hop artist in
Hollywood. The proudest of all Haitians, he uses his fame to advocate in
favor of Haiti and Haitians everywhere he performs. Always wearing the
Haitian flag, his performances, interviews, productions are always an
opportunity for him to showcase the best about Haiti. He has already won
two Grammy Awards.
Garcelle Beauvais, Actress
Born in St. Marc, Haiti, she moved to the U. S. when she was 7 years old
with her family. She began modeling in New York at 17 years old. She
made her first TV appearance on Miami Vice, and played a nurse in the
Cosby Show. She has also appeared in The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air,
Hanging with Mr. Cooper, Wild Wild West, and The Jamie Foxx Show.
Olden Polynice, Professional Basketball Star
Born in Haiti, he moved to the U. S. at age seven, went to University of
Virginia, and chose a career as a Basketball player. His team reached the
NCAA Final Four in 1984. Later he joined the NBA and played consecutively for many teams like the Seattle Supersonics, the Los Angeles
Clippers, the Detroit Pistons, the Sacramento Kings, the Utah Jazz, etc. He
established the “Helping Out Our People” Foundation, which provides aid
to the less fortunate in both the U. S. and Haiti.
Marie Ferdinand, Professional Basketball Star
Named a member of the 2002 and 2003 WNBA All-Star team, Marie
Ferdinand is a basketball player of high caliber. Her career took her to
Poland and Russia. She graduated from Louisiana State University and
would like to teach physical education when her basketball career is over.
She plays for the San Antonio Silver Stars.
Samuel Dalembert, Professional Basketball Player
Samuel Dalembert moved to Montreal from Haiti at age 14. He played
basketball for the first time as a sophomore at Lucien-Pagé High School in
Montreal. He later moved to the United States where he plays alongside
the superstar Allen Iverson in the Philadelphia 76ers team. When disaster
struck his country following hurricane Jeanne, he provided financial
assistance to his compatriots in need.
11
TOPICS FOR LESSON UNITS
ENVIRONMENT: Monuments and Physical Features
La Citadelle Le Ferriere
The largest fortress in the Western hemisphere, the
Citadelle Laferriere is located atop a 3,000-foot mountain
called Bonnet-à-L’Evêque. It was built to protect the interior of Haiti in case the French tried to retake the former
colony. So impressive is the fortress, stretched across the
mountains peak, with sheer cliffs on three sides and the
only point of access subject to withering canon fire, that
the United Nations included it in the list of cultural
treasures, along with the Acropolis and the Pyramids of
Egypt. Haitians proudly consider it as the eighth marvel of
the world.
The Unknown Maroon
Haiti’s pioneer freedom fighters: the “Unknown Maroon
Monument”, in front of the National Palace in Port-auPrince, represents the runaway slaves in the colony of Saint
Domingue, who preferred fleeing to the mountains instead
of living with chains on the plantations.
Labadie Resort
As goes the popular Creole song in Haiti “Labadi se
Paradi” (Labadie is a Paradise), nothing else can best
describe the beauty of this place located in the Northern
coast of the country, facing the Atlantic Ocean. Labadie is
a sanctuary of dreams, one of the most beautiful beaches in
the Caribbean, an ideal destination for tourists all around
the world.
Parc La Visite
The trail at Parc La Visite is one of the most breathtaking
hikes in Haiti. Located at 8900 feet, atop of Morne La
Selle in the southeastern region of the country, La Visite is
home to several endemic birds and reptiles. It is a place
visited by world’s tourists and environmentalists.
12
TOPICS FOR LESSON UNITS
WORLD HISTORY: Haiti’s Contributions to the World
Haiti is a nation small in size but gigantic in historical dimensions. The people of this country
left their prints in the reports of global human rights movements. From the western coast of
the African continent to this mountainous island of the Caribbean, the Haitian forefathers have
brought with them the pride of the Black race under inhumane conditions.
Enduring one of the worst treatments in the
history of human kind, these enslaved individuals have found a way to rise to the highest level of bravery and nationalism to
change the course of history at the beginning
of the nineteen century, from colonialism to
independence, slavery to freedom.
The traditional history books rarely relate in
an objective way the significance of the Haitian experience. They often distort the real
historical underpinnings that explain why this country has become weakened, isolated, and the
poorest of the Western hemisphere.
Also, very few history books will convey the historical links between this nation and its
neighbors, as they have always been pioneers in the fight for freedom, independence, and
international justice.
Haiti and Haitians are proud to be,
•
Contributors to the wealth of European nations like Spain and France during the
colonial times
•
The First modern Black Republic in the World
•
The Second independent country in the Western hemisphere after the U.S.
•
Freedom Fighters for the independence of the United States of America in the
battle of Savannah (Georgia)
•
Inspiration for slaves, revolts and emancipation movements in different countries
around the world
•
Contributors to the liberation of countries in South America from colonization
(The Bolivarian countries: Venezuela, Colombia, Equador, Peru, Bolivia)
Moreover, Napoleon’s defeat in Haiti was instrumental in his disinterest in the
Americas which led to the Louisiana Purchase by the U.S. in 1803.
13
TOPICS FOR LESSON UNITS
THE HISTORY OF THE HAITIAN FLAG AND THE COUNTRY’S MOTTO
Information gathered from an article written by Max G. Beauvoir
Historically, students in Haiti learn that on May 18, 1803, in a congress held
in Arcahaie, a township located about fifty miles north of Port-au-Prince,
Jean-Jacques Dessalines created the country’s first flag. Ripping apart the
French flag which is blue, white, and red - he threw away the white portion
that was in the center and asked Catherine Flon, a young girl of the area, to sew the remaining
two colors. This became the first Haitian Flag and national symbol.
•
Dessalines mounted the flag and declared that this country no longer wanted to be a French
territory.
•
He expressed that the Blacks on this land preferred to die rather than remain slaves.
“Liberté ou la Mort!” meaning “Liberty or Death” became the adopted
popular slogan which had already been embraced at the vodoo
ceremony, the Ceremony of Bwa Kayiman, held on August 14, 1791.
•
This slogan is on all the official documents signed by Dessalines.
•
The blue, set on the upper part of the flag, represents the population of
ancient slaves, (four hundred and fifty thousand), an overwhelming majority indeed who,
according to the first Haitian Constitution, were supposed to be the only social group to
personify the country.
•
The red, set below the blue, represents the people of mixed races known as mulattoes.
•
The white naturally disappeared. It was well understood that: “Dessalines pa vle wè blan,”
meaning “Dessalines wanted nothing to do with the white man.”
•
After Dessalines died in 1806, the new president, Alexandre Pétion, who succeeded him,
personally designed the coat of arms of the Republic that was placed at the center of the
flag¹ along with the motto: “L’Union fait la Force,” - United We’re Strong.
•
After Dessalines’ death, the country became profoundly divided into two governments:
a Kingdom of the North and a Republic to the South.
•
Since then, one may see a constant waltz of changes of the national flag, from the blue and
red to the black and red version, depending on the ideology of the regime in power.
•
During his twenty-nine year’s regime, Duvalier adopted the black and white flag.
•
The constitution of 1987 officially reestablished the blue and red flag.
¹ See appendix A: Haiti’s Flag and Coat of Arms
14
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT HAITI
Statistical information from The World Factbook, 2004, from the Library of Congress, CIA
GEOGRAPHY¹ & DEMOGRAPHICS
Is Haiti an island?
No, the republic of Haiti is not an island. It occupies one-third of the entire island of Hispaniola.
The Dominican Republic makes up the rest of the island.
What is the size of the Republic of Haiti?
The total area is 27,750 sq. km. (10,714 sq. mi.), about the size of Maryland.
What is the population of Haiti?
In 2004, the population of Haiti was estimated at 7,656,166. The population is about 95% Black and 5%
Mulatto and White, which is traditionally the elite ruling class.
What is the capital of Haiti?
Port-au-Prince is the capital of the Republic of Haiti.
Are there any other major cities besides Port-au-Prince?
Yes, there are. Cap Haitian (second largest city), Jacmel, Gonaives, Les Cayes, Port de Paix,
Fort Liberté, Hinche, and Jérémie.
What is a Haitian’s life expectancy at birth (in Haiti)?
It is 50.52 years for males and 53.12 years for females.
HISTORY
Who were Haiti’s first inhabitants?
Haiti’s first known inhabitants were the Taino/Arawak natives who migrated onto the island long before
the arrival of Columbus in 1492.
What is the origin of the country’s name?
The name Haiti derives from the word AYTI or HAYTI, which in the Arawak language means
“mountainous lands”.
What is significant about Haiti’s independence?
Haiti is the first modern independent Black republic in the world and the 2nd independent country in the
western hemisphere. The whole world did not recognized Haiti’s independence in 1804 since it defied at
that time the international system of slavery and colonialism. It is only in 1862, after 58 years, that
Abraham Lincoln signed the recognition of the Independence of Haiti.
What is the description and meaning of the Haitian flag?
a) Two (2) equal-sized horizontal bands: a blue one on top and a red one underneath;
b) The coat of arms of the Republic shall be placed in the center on a white square;
c) The coat of arms of the Republic are: a Palmette surrounded by the liberty cap, and under the palms,
a trophy with the legend: “United We’re Strong”
Who is considered the founder of the Haitian nation?
Jean Jacques Dessalines is considered the founder of the Haitian nation. However, other prominent
figures and pioneers of the Haitian revolution that led to its independence from France included: Toussaint Louverture, Alexandre Pétion, Henri Christophe, Nicolas Geffrard, Jean Pierre Boyer, etc.
¹ See appendix B: Map of Haiti
15
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT HAITI
Statistical information from The World Factbook, 2004, from the Library of Congress, CIA
GEOGRAPHY¹ & DEMOGRAPHICS
Is Haiti an island?
No, the republic of Haiti is not an island. It occupies one-third of the entire island of Hispaniola.
The Dominican Republic makes up the rest of the island.
What is the size of the Republic of Haiti?
The total area is 27,750 sq. km. (10,714 sq. mi.), about the size of Maryland.
What is the population of Haiti?
In 2004, the population of Haiti was estimated at 7,656,166. The population is about 95% Black and 5%
Mulatto and White, which is traditionally the elite ruling class.
What is the capital of Haiti?
Port-au-Prince is the capital of the Republic of Haiti.
Are there any other major cities besides Port-au-Prince?
Yes, there are. Cap Haitian (second largest city), Jacmel, Gonaives, Les Cayes, Port de Paix,
Fort Liberté, Hinche, and Jérémie.
What is a Haitian’s life expectancy at birth (in Haiti)?
It is 50.52 years for males and 53.12 years for females.
HISTORY
Who were Haiti’s first inhabitants?
Haiti’s first known inhabitants were the Taino/Arawak natives who migrated onto the island long before
the arrival of Columbus in 1492.
What is the origin of the country’s name?
The name Haiti derives from the word AYTI or HAYTI, which in the Arawak language means
“mountainous lands”.
What is significant about Haiti’s independence?
Haiti is the first modern independent Black republic in the world and the 2nd independent country in the
western hemisphere. The whole world did not recognized Haiti’s independence in 1804 since it defied at
that time the international system of slavery and colonialism. It is only in 1862, after 58 years, that
Abraham Lincoln signed the recognition of the Independence of Haiti.
What is the description and meaning of the Haitian flag?
a) Two (2) equal-sized horizontal bands: a blue one on top and a red one underneath;
b) The coat of arms of the Republic shall be placed in the center on a white square;
c) The coat of arms of the Republic are: a Palmette surrounded by the liberty cap, and under the palms,
a trophy with the legend: “United We’re Strong”
Who is considered the founder of the Haitian nation?
Jean Jacques Dessalines is considered the founder of the Haitian nation. However, other prominent
figures and pioneers of the Haitian revolution that led to its independence from France included: Toussaint Louverture, Alexandre Pétion, Henri Christophe, Nicolas Geffrard, Jean Pierre Boyer, etc.
¹ See appendix B: Map of Haiti
15
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT HAITI (Cont’d)
POLITICS
What type of government does Haiti have?
Haiti is a constitutional republic governed by an elected government. There are three branches in the
government: The Executive, The Legislative, and the Judicial. The president elected can only serve
two five-year terms. However, he cannot be reelected immediately following his first term.
Who were the “tonton macoutes”?
The “tonton macoutes” were a militia force created by the dictator Francois Duvalier “Papa Doc” in
1957, to protect his regime against the army and terrorize his political enemies.
Did the U.S. ever occupy or intervene in Haiti?
Yes, in 1915, as a result of U.S. concerns over its interests in the country because of renewed
political chaos (4 presidents in 2 years, all killed while in office), the U.S. invaded Haiti and
occupied the country for 19 years. The U.S. intervened in Haiti again in 1994 to restore political
stability and the return of the democratically elected president Jean Bertrand Aristide who was ousted
in a coup d’etat seven months after he took power on February 7, 1991.
Who were the U.S. presidents who visited Haiti during their terms in office:
On July 5, 1934, Franklin D. Roosevelt was the first American president to visit Haiti. On March 21,
1995, President Clinton became the second American President to visit Haiti.
What is the reason for the massive Haitian immigration to the U.S.?
Although the journey to Miami is about 700 miles on dangerous seas, many Haitians feel it worth
taking the risk. They are fleeing their country for both political and economic reasons. They also
emigrate to Canada and Europe, particularly France.
ECONOMY
What percentage of Haitians work in agriculture, industry and services?
66% of Haitians are in the agriculture sector , 9% in industry, and 25% in services
What is the per capita income?
The per capita income in Haiti is very low. Statistical estimates range from 400-500 U.S. dollars.
What are some of Haiti’s exports?
Haiti is the leading manufacturer of the actual baseballs that are used in this U.S. national sport.
Textiles and coffee are also leading exports from Haiti.
What is the employment rate in Haiti?
About 40% of the population is unemployed and more than 50% of the labor force do not have
formal jobs.
What is the Haitian currency and its U.S. equivalence?
The Haitian currency is the Gourde. In 2005, one U.S. dollar is the equivalent of 38.50 gourdes.
16
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT HAITI (Cont’d)
EDUCATION
What is the make-up of the school system in Haiti? ¹
In Haiti, the traditional education system, based on the French system, begins with six years of primary
education followed by seven years of secondary education. Two streams end either in the
Baccalaureat I after three years or the Baccalaureat II after four years. In the reform system, the primary cycle lasts for nine years followed by three years of secondary education. Pupils opt for classical,
technical, or a professional stream. Higher education is provided by universities and other public and
private institutions and is under the responsibility of the Ministry of Education.
What languages are taught in schools in Haiti?
Until the last quarter of the twentieth century, students in Haiti have been taught in French, while the
national language was Creole. The constitution of 1987 recognized officially Creole as one of the
official languages of the country and required the system of education to use it.
Is school compulsory in Haiti as it is in the United States?
Yes, the Haitian constitution mandates compulsory school attendance for all children in elementary
school. However, the mandate is not enforced throughout the country. The lack of public schools
makes is difficult for many students to attend school, and because of economic hardship, most parents
cannot afford to send their children to private schools.
What special services do schools in Haiti provide?
The lack of resources prevent schools in Haiti to provide the special services required by special education students. However, the affluent private schools provide support services, guidance, and extracurricular activities for their students.
Is it mandatory for students to wear uniforms in Haiti?
Most schools, public and private, require their students to wear uniforms. But there is not a strict mandate for all schools to require their students to wear uniforms.
CULTURE
What are the languages spoken in Haiti?
Haitian Creole and French are the official languages of the Republic of Haiti since 1987, although only
a minority of Haitians (10%) can speak French fluently.
What is the origin of the Haitian Creole language?
The Haitian Creole language emerges from many different languages in contact on the island of Hispaniola during colonial times. They include French, Portuguese, Spanish, Arawak, African languages,
and later English. It is a written language officially sanctioned by the new constitution of 1987.
What are the religions practiced in Haiti?
The Haitian population is 80% Roman Catholic, 16% Protestant and other various denominations.
However, almost all Haitians are influenced by voodoo that they sometimes practice secretly.
¹ See Appendix C: Age/Grade Level Comparison Between Haitian and U.S. System of Education
17
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT HAITI (Cont’d)
What is Voodoo?
Voodoo is a traditional religion practiced in Haiti and also in other parts of the world. It is a religion
based on family spirits who generally help and protect. It is based on the beliefs of Africans brought
from West Africa to America as slaves. Over the years, the religion has mixed with western traditions
such as Catholicism. Recently, in April 2003, Haiti’s president Jean-Bertrand Aristide officially sanctioned Voodoo as one of the religions of the country.
What is the significance of making pumpkin/squash soup on January 1st?
On January 1st, Haitians traditionally drink pumpkin/squash soup with family and friends to celebrate
freedom and independence. During the French control of the island, only the masters were allowed
to drink this delicious soup.
What is Haiti’s national sport?
Haiti’s national sport is soccer. However, basketball, volleyball, tennis, and other sports activities are
also practiced.
What are the major holidays in Haiti?
o Independence Day (January 1st)
o Forefather’s Day (January 2nd)
o Carnaval (2 days before Ash Wednesday, February or March)
o Good Friday (2 days before Easter)
o Easter Sunday (usually in April),
o Toussaint Louverture’s Death (April 7th)
o Pan American Day (April 14th)
o Labor Day (May 1st)
o Flag Day (May 18)
o Day of Assumption (August 15th)
o Dessalines’ Death (October 17th)
o All Saints Day (November 1st)
o All Souls Day (November 2nd)
o Battle of Vertieres’ Day (November 18th)
o Christmas (December 25th)
o New Year’s Eve (December 31st)
Is Halloween a Holiday is Haiti?
While Haitians will celebrate Halloween in the United States, it is not considered a holiday in their
home country.
What are the traditional foods from Haiti?
Rice, vegetables, roots like yams, yucca, sweet potatoes, meat like pork, beef, goat, conch, and a
variety of seafood are very predominant in Haitian cuisine which is also very spicy.
For Haitian students and children, what are some specifically cultural signs of respect?
As a sign of respect, children used to be taught to keep their heads down when addressing an adult.
However, because of the influence of intercultural exchange, and some changes in the traditional
culture, nowadays, children may not abide to that rule.
18
END OF LESSON UNIT ASSESSMENT: HISTORY
1. What is the date of the independence of Haiti?
A.
January 1, 1804
B.
May 18, 1803
C.
May 1, 1803
D.
January 18, 1804
2. What is the motto of the Haitian republic?
A.
Liberty or Death
B.
In God We Trust
C.
United We’ re Strong
D.
One Nation, One Emblem
3. How many times did the U.S. intervene to occupy Haiti?
A.
Once
B.
Two times
C.
Three times
D.
Four times
4. Which Haitian president served alongside George Washington at the battle of Savannah?
A.
Henri Christophe
B.
François Duvalier
C.
Toussaint Louverture
D.
Jean Bertrand Aristide
5. Who is considered the founder of the Haitian nation?
A.
Toussaint Louverture
B.
Jean Jacques Dessalines
C.
Henri Christophe
D.
Alexandre Pétion
6. Which Haitian independence precursor is called “The Black Spartacus”?
A.
Toussaint Louverture
B.
Jean Jacques Dessalines
C.
Henri Christophe
D.
Alexandre Pétion
7. Name the Latin American countries whose leader sought Haiti’s help for their liberation?
A.
Cuba, Jamaica, Trinidad
B.
Santo Domingo, Bolivia, Cuba, Jamaica
C.
Guyana, Martinique
D.
Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia
8. Which occurred in the history of the U.S. as a consequence of Napoleon’s defeat in Haiti?
A.
The Louisiana Purchase
B.
The French War
C.
The Treaty of Ryswick
D.
A massive immigration of French to the U.S.
9. When did the last battle for the independence of Haiti take place?
A.
November 8, 1803
B.
January 1, 1803
C.
November 18, 1803
D.
May 18, 1803
10. When did Christopher Columbus disembark in Haiti?
A.
December 6, 1492
B.
December 24, 1492
C.
January 1, 1804
D.
May 18, 1803
11. Who were the “Chasseurs Volontaires”?
A.
The Haitian army
B.
A battalion of Haitians who fought in Savannah
C.
A black regimen
D.
A battalion of Cubans who fought in Savannah
19
END OF LESSON UNIT ASSESSMENT: HISTORY (Cont’d)
12. Which American president signed the recognition of the independence of Haiti?
A.
Bill Clinton
B. Abraham Lincoln
C.
Thomas Jefferson
D. George Washington
13. After how many years did the U.S. recognize the independence of Haiti?
A.
After 50 years
B. After 58 years
C.
After 8 years
D. After 10 years
14. What are the first two independent nations in the Western Hemisphere?
A.
Cuba and Haiti
B. The United States and Cuba
C.
Haiti and Uruguay
D. The United States and Haiti
15. How did Toussaint Louverture die?
A.
In the independence war
B. Killed by the French
C.
In prison, in France
D. Assassinated by his troops
16. What are the two main colors of the Haitian Flag?
A.
Blue and red
B. Blue and white
C.
Black and red
D. Black and Blue
17. Name two European countries that were involved in the occupation of Haiti.
A.
France and Spain
B. Portugal and Great Britain
C.
Sweden and Italy
D. Spain and Great Britain
18. How did Jean Jacques Dessalines die?
A.
Of Malaria
B. During the independence war
C.
In prison in France
C. Assassinated by his lieutenants
19. When was the Haitian flag born?
A.
January 1, 1804
B. May 18, 1803
C.
May 1, 1803
D. January 18, 1804
20. What was the Treaty of Ryswick?
A.
A truce for peace in Haiti
B. A treaty in which Spain conceded land to France
C.
A trade agreement
D. A treaty between the U.S. and France
21. What is the name of the Haitian anthem?
A.
Unity is Strength
B. La Dessalinienne
C.
We are free at last
D. Liberty or Death
22. Who were the “maroons”?
A.
The run-away slaves
C.
The native Haitians
B. The first slaves brought to Hispaniola
D. The Arawaks
20
END OF LESSON UNIT ASSESSMENT: GEOGRAPHY
1. What is the capital of Haiti?
A.
Port-au-Prince
C.
Gonaives
B. Cap-Haitian
D. La Navase
2. Name four major Haitian cities besides the capital.
______________________
________________________
______________________
________________________
3. What is the area of the Republic of Haiti?
A.
27,750 sq. mi.
B. 10,714 sq. mi.
C.
27,750 sq. km.
D. 10, 714 sq. km.
4. Which country shares the island of Hispaniola with Haiti?
A.
Jamaica
B. Tahiti
C.
Cuba
D. The Dominican Republic
5. How far is Haiti from the United States?
A.
About 1,000 miles
B. About 700 miles
C.
About 10,000 miles
D. About 50 miles
6. Who were the inhabitants of Hispaniola before Columbus?
A.
Tahitians
B. Arawaks
C.
Frenchmen
D. Native Haitians
7. What is the population of Haiti?
A.
About 50 million
B. About 25 million
C.
6 million
D. About 7.6 million
8. What does the name “Haiti” mean?
A.
Flat lands
B. Mountainous lands
C.
Rich Island
D. Wet Lands
9. What is the name of the biggest fortress in the Caribbean located in Haiti?
A.
La Citadelle
B. Fort Jacques
C.
La Pinta
D. Cap-Haitian
10. What is the highest point of the Republic of Haiti?
A.
Pic la Selle
B. Pic Macaya
C.
Massif de la Hotte
D. Chaine des Matheux
11. Name the two biggest islands that belong to the Republic of Haiti?
A.
La Tortue & La Navase
B. Cap-Haitian & Gonaives
C.
La Gonave & La Navase
D. La Gonave & La Tortue
21
END OF LESSON UNIT ASSESSMENT: MISCELLANEOUS
1. Which prominent Haitian American popular musician won two Grammy Awards?
A.
Marie Toussaint
B. Marjorie Vincent
C.
Toussaint Louverture
D. Wyclef Jean
2. Who is the only Haitian native considered for canonization by the Catholic Church?
A.
Alexandre Pétion
B. Pierre Toussaint
C.
James Audubon
D. Jean Baptiste Point DuSable
3. Who is the only Haitian woman to win the Miss America contest?
A.
Marjorie Vincent
B. Garcelle Beauvais
C.
Catherine Flon
D. Edwidge Danticat
4. Who is the Haitian native founder of the city of Chicago?
A.
Wyclef Jean
B. Jean Baptiste Pointe DuSable
C.
Pierre Toussaint
D. Olden Polynice
5. What is the name of the Haitian currency?
A.
Peso
B. Haitian dollar
C.
Creole
D. Gourde
6. What are the languages spoken in Haiti?
A.
Spanish & Creole
B. French & Spanish
C.
Creole & French
D. French & English
7. Who is the first Haitian major in the United States who fought under General Andrews
and led the Second Battalion of Freemen of Color?
A.
Joseph Savary
B. Henri Christophe
C.
Pierre Boyer
D. René Godefroy
8. Who is the first Haitian American to sit in the Massachusetts legislature?
A.
Marie P. St. Fleur
B. Marjorie Vincent
C.
Joseph Savary
D. Garcelle Beauvais
9. What is the major source of labor in Haiti?
A.
Agriculture
B. Manufacturing
C.
Tourism
D. Industry
10. What name did the French give to Haiti because of its wealth?
A.
The beautiful island
B. The richest colony
C.
The island of treasures
D. The Pearl of the Antilles
22
HAITIAN CREOLE BASIC EXPRESSIONS FOR TEACHERS
1. Hello.
Alo. Ah.low
14. I understand.
Mwen konprann.
Mwenh kon.prann.
2. Mrs./Ms./Ma’am
Madam Mah.dam
15. I don’t understand.
Mwen pa konprann.
Mwenh PAH kon.prann.
3. Miss/Ms.
Matmwazèl Mat.mwah.zell
4. Mr./Mister
Mesye / Misye May.syeh / Mee.syeh
16. Are you lost?
Èske ou pèdi?
Ess.kay OO peh.DEE?
5. Student
Elèv
Eh.lev
17. Welcome to our school.
Byenveni nan lekòl nou an.
Byen.VAY.nee nanh lay.CALL new.anh.
6. Child
Timoun / tigason / tifi
Tee-moon / tee gah.sonh / tee.fee
18. Good morning.
Bonjou.
Bonh.jooh.
7. How are you?
Kòman ou ye?
Koh.manh OO yeah?
19. Good afternoon/good evening.
Bonswa.
Bonh-swwah.
8. Very well, thanks.
Trèbyen mèsi.
Tray.byenh meah.see.
20. Good night.
Bòn nwit.
Bonn-nweet.
9. Thank you very much.
Mèsi anpil.
Meah.see anh.peel.
21. May I help you?
Èske m kab ede ou?
Ess.kay M.cab a.DAY.OO?
10. My name is . . .
Mwen rele...
Mwenh ray.lay...
22. How can I help you?
Ki jan mwen kab ede ou?
KEY. Janh Mwenh CAB a.DAY.oo?
11. Excuse me.
Eskize m.
Es.key.zay.m.
23. Whom do you need to see?
Ki moun ou bezwen wè?
Key MOON oo bayh-zwenh WEH?
12. Do you speak English?
Èske ou pale anglè?
ESS.kay oo PAH-lay anh-GLAY?
24. With whom would you like to speak?
Ak ki moun ou vle pale?
Ak KEY MOON oo vlay pah-LAY?
13. I don’t speak much Creole.
Mwen pa pale anpil kreyòl.
Mwenh PAH pah.lay anh.peel Kray.all.
25. What time is it?
Ki lè li ye?
Key leh lee YAEH?
23
HAITIAN CREOLE BASIC EXPRESSIONS FOR TEACHERS
26. What is your name?
Ki jan ou rele?
Key JANH oo RAY.LAY?
38. What is your line of work?
Ki travay ou fè?
Key trah.VAH.YOU feh?
27. What is your last name?
Ki siyati ou?
Key see.NYAH.tee oo?
39. What is your relationship to her/him?
Ki sa ou ye pou li?
Key SAH oo YEAH pooh LEE?
28. What is the father’s name?
Ki non papa l?
Key nonh pah-PAL?
40. What is your birthdate?
Ki dat nesans ou?
Key THAT NAY.sans oo?
29. What is the mother=s name?
Ki non manman l?
Key nonh manh-MAN.L?
41. What is your child’s birthdate?
Ki dat nesans pitit ou a?
Key THAT NAY.sans pee-TEET oo AH?
30. What is your address?
Ki adrès ou?
Key ad.DRESS OO?
42. Do you have any school records?
Èske ou gen kànè lekòl?
Ess.KAY oo gainh Kah-NEH lay.CALL?
31. What is your phone number?
Ki nimewo telefòn ou?
Key knee.MAY.wo TAY.lay.PHONE OO?
43. Do you have a birth certificate?
Èske ou gen batistè?
Ess.KAY oo gainh BAH.tee.STEH?
32. At home? / At work?
Lakay ou / Nan travay ou?
Lah KAH.you / Nahn trah.VAH you?
44. Do you have a utility bill?
Èske ou gen bòdwo ou (yo)?
Ess.KAY oo gainh boarD.WOH oo (yo)?
33. Is this your son?
Èske se pitit gason ou?
Ess.kay SAY pee.TEET gah.SONH oo?
45. Do you have proof of a physical?
Èske ou gen prèv egzamen medikal ou?
Ess.KAY oo gainh PREV egg.zah.menh may.dee.kal
oo?
34. Is this your daughter?
Èske se pitit fi ou?
Ess.kay SAY pee.TEET FEE oo?
46. Where is your immunization card?
Kote kat vaksinasyon ou?
Koh.TAY cat VAK.see.NAH.syonh oo?
35. How old is your son?
Ki laj pitit gason ou an?
Key LAHJ pee.teet GAH.sonh oo ANH?
47. Where is your birth certificate?
Kote batistè ou?
Koh.tay BAH-tee-STEH woo?
36. How old is your daughter?
Ki laj pitit fi ou a?
Key LAHJ pee-teet FEE oo AH?
48. Where are you from?
Ki kote ou moun?
KEY koh.TAY oo moon?
37. What grade was your child in last year?
Nan ki klas pitit ou a te ye àne pase?
Nanh key CLASS pee.teet oo a tay YEAH ah.NAY
pah.SAY?
49. Where do you work?
Ki kote w ap travay?
Key koh.TAY wrap trah.vie?
24
APPENDIX E: HAITIAN CREOLE BASIC EXPRESSIONS
50. Your child will ride bus number _____.
Pitit ou ap monte bis nimewo...
Pee.teet oo ap monh-tay bis knee.MAY.woh ...
62. Wait a minute, please.
Tann yon ti moman silvouplè.
Tann YON tea moh.MANH seal.voo.PLEH
51. Please have a seat.
Tanpri, fè yon ti chita.
Tanh.PREE, feh yon TEE shee.tah.
63. I’ll be right back.
M ap vini.
Map vee.nee
52. Please follow me.
Vini avè m silvouplè.
Vee.nee ah.VEM seal.voo.PLEH.
64. Good luck.
Bòn chans.
Bonn chans
53. Please take a number.
Pran yon nimewo silvouplè.
Pranh yon KNEE.may.WOH seal.voo.pleh.
65. You may sit down.
Ou mèt chita.
Oo met shee.tah.
54. Please get in line.
Antre nan liy nan silvouplè.
Anh.tray nan leeng nanh seel.voo.pleh
66. We are glad you are here.
Nou byen kontan ou vini isit la.
New byenh konh.TANH oo VEE.nee EE.seat LAH.
55. Please go to the next line.
Ale nan lòt liy nan silvouplè.
Ah.lay nanh lot leeng nanh seel.voo.pleh.
67. I don’t know.
M pa konnen.
M PAH konh.nenh
56. Please speak slowly.
Pale dousman silvouplè.
Pah.lay doos.manh seel.voo.pleh.
57. Please repeat.
Tanpri, repete.
Tanh.pree, ray.pay.tay
58. Please spell it for me.
Eple li pou mwen silvouplè.
A.play lee pooh.mwenh seel.voo.pleh
59. Wait here, please.
Rete tann la a silvouplè.
Ray.tay tann laah seel.voo.pleh
60. Please sign here.
Siyen non ou la a silvouplè.
See.yenh nonh.woo laah seal.voo.pleh
61. Please write your name here.
Ekri non ou la a an lèt detache silvouplè.
A.kree nonh-woo laah anh let day.tah.chay seal.
voo.pleh.
25
SECTION II: HISTORY OF THE HAITIAN
HERITAGE MONTH
26
HAITIAN HERITAGE CELEBRATION HISTORICAL BACKGROUND
The vision
The Haitian Heritage Month Resolution has been an initiative envisioned by many concerned
Haitians and Haitian Americans in Palm Beach County, especially those who are direct
stakeholders in education. The proposal for the submission of a proclamation to the School
Board of Palm Beach County emerged during many meetings held by Haitian Studies personnel. The goal was to join hands with all the ethnic communities of the county in commemorating our cultural mosaic in order to:
¦
¦
¦
¦
¦
Celebrate diversity and promote multiculturalism
Provide awareness for better communications
Strengthen the self-esteem of the Haitian student
Share our culture and our experiences while
Learning from others’ cultures and experiences
“Haitian students
account for more
than 13,000 in the
School District of
Palm Beach County.”
The need
Haitian students - numbering more than 13,000 in the School District of Palm Beach
County - account for nearly 8% of the student population. This estimate does not take into
account the first generation of Haitian immigrants children who are still immersed in the experience of the Haitian culture at home and in their community.
The expansion of the Haitian population in the Palm Beaches,
since the first wave of immigrants who settled in the Delray
Osceola Park area, has reached a substantial proportion. While
it is difficult to have accurate demographic statistics about
their number, community activists estimate that more than
60,000 Haitians call Palm Beach County their home, while the
number of Haitians living in the whole state of Florida are
sometimes said to be over half-a-million.
Delray Beach, Florida
The school district, the largest employer in the county, employs more than 500 Haitians. They range from administraBy 2002, Delray Beach
tors, teachers, guidance counselors, translators/interpreters, became the town with the
language facilitators, technicians, secretaries, clerks, custodial
largest percentage of
workers, and so on, supporting the school system with their Haitian immigrants in its
cultural and linguistic background and strong work ethic.
population, about 25%.
A Palm Beach County School District Initiative
The idea of a Haitian Heritage Month has been raised by many communities in the U.S.
where the Haitian presence is significant, traditionally, in the Northeastern region of the
United States, especially New-York, New Jersey, Boston, where their number is higher than
anywhere else. However, recent waves of immigration have targeted the peninsula of
Florida, especially Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach counties, adding a considerable new
ethnic component in the diversity of the region.
27
HAITIAN HERITAGE CELEBRATION HISTORICAL BACKGROUND (Cont’d)
Because of the increasing number of Haitians and Haitian students in the School District
of Palm Beach County, the Haitian and Haitian Americans Studies Curriculum spearheaded by the Department of Multicultural Education was designed to address the specific
educational issues regarding the infusion of cultural elements in the general curriculum.
The Haitian Heritage Month celebration initiative will address the issues regarding Haitian
culture and contributions to our communities.
The Haitian Heritage Month Resolution¹
On April 23, 2003, the resolution for the recognition of May as Haitian Heritage Month
was presented to the School Board of Palm Beach County during its regular monthly
meeting. The board, comprised of seven members, unanimously approved it.
The Public Relations Campaign for the Celebration
After the unanimous approval by the District School Board of the Haitian Heritage Month
Resolution on April 23, 2003, district employees had made many efforts to motivate
schools and the community at large to embark together in organizing many activities and
events to commemorate the month.
1. A bulletin was sent to all school principals.
2. A website was designed to publish the information about the Haitian Heritage
month in Palm Beach County.
3. Articles were written on the district newsletters.
4. A press release² was sent to the media.
5. Several radio shows addressing the issue were conducted.
6. Copies of the Resolution were made available to the general media, the language minority media, the language minority community organizations, and the
community at large.
7. Many activities were coordinated.
The Next Step
On May 19, 2003, state representative Kendrick Meek submitted a resolution³ to the
Florida House of Representative to have the month of May recognized as Haitian Heritage
Month throughout the state of Florida. The resolution was referred to the Committee on
Government Reform and is still pending further consideration. Adoption of this resolution
will be a milestone for the Haitian community in Florida.
¹ See appendix D: The Haitian Heritage Month Resolution
² See appendix E: The April 2003 Press Release
³ See appendix F: Proposed Statewide Resolution
28
HAITIAN HERITAGE MONTH PAST ACTIVITIES
Several activities¹ have been scheduled and
organized since the year 2003 by the district, the
schools, the community churches and organizations. They included:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Haitian Art Exhibit
Haitian Heritage Month Brunch
Haitian Heritage Essay Contest
Haitian Heritage Night
School and Community Activities
Palm Beach Post Educational Insert
Film Festival
Storytelling
Career Day
Community Festivals
Public Debate, etc.
Community organizations traditionally have used
the month of May to schedule activities commemorating Haitian Flag Day on May 18. Many
cultural groups now combine the celebration of the Flag Day with a county wide comprehensive celebration. Among the organizations that collaborate with the district Haitian
Heritage Month Celebration Committee are, Joseph Laurore Foundation, School District
of Palm Beach County Toussaint L'Ouverture High School, For the Children Inc., Haitian
Center for Family Services, Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church , Group Refleksyon Aksyon Patriyotik (GRAP), Kiskeya, Mentoring Our
Haitian Children (MOHC), Haitian
American Coalition for Education Haitian American Senior Benevolent Association
(HASBA), etc.
The Haitian Heritage Month Celebration Committee is trying to establish partnerships
with other committees in Broward and Dade counties, and in Boston and New York to
coordinate a global celebration of the Haitian Cultural Heritage.
A schedule of activities will be sent to schools every year. Here are some websites with
information concerning the schedule of the Haitian Heritage Month yearly activities:
http://www.palmbeach.k12.fl.us/PublicAffairs/Creole/Creole-Home.htm
http://www.palmbeach.k12.fl.us/PublicAffairs/Creole/HaitianHeritageMonth2004.htm
http://www.dade.k12.fl.us/socsci/resources/HaitianHeritage/
http://www.miamidade.gov/mayor/library/2004/04-04-29-hatian_heritage.pdf
http://www.hauinc.org/html/bulletin/pdf/2004_Haitian_Heritage_Month_Events_Calendar.pdf
¹ See Appendix G: Photographs of School/District Activities
29
SUCCESS STORIES:
YEARLY PROGRAMS AND CELEBRATIONS SHOWCASING
HAITIAN HISTORY AND CULTURE
October - January
KALEIDOSCOPE
A celebration of many cultures featuring
more than a dozen cultural “villages” created through partnerships of local cultural organizations and Palm Beach County public
school students. Each village represents a specific country and it highlights their music,
dance, food, architecture, art, crafts, cultural customs through interactive hands-on activities, and many other educational activities.
In 2004, Haiti was the winner of the BEST
EDUCATIONAL ENVIRONMENT/VALUE
category in the internationally acclaimed
Kaleidoscope festival. The village representing
Haiti, built by the students of Toussaint Louverture High for Social Justice and the Arts, was
indeed the center of attraction and curiosity for
all the visitors throughout the day.
Kaleidoscope kicks off in October each year and
culminates with the festival at the end of the month of January. For information call Bito
David, Public Affairs Specialist at (561)963-3820 at the Department of Public Affairs or
Mary Pinak, Community Events Manager, City of West Palm Beach (561) 822-1515.
November
INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION WEEK
International Education Week is an opportunity to
celebrate the benefits of international education and
exchange worldwide.
This is a joint initiative of the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Department of Education as part of their effort to promote programs that prepare Americans for global environment and attract future leaders from abroad to study, learn, and exchange experiences in the
United States.
In 2004, multicultural programs and student performers from around the district and the
schools were showcased.
For more information about the International Education Week, please contact Lisa Lee,
Program Planner, Multicultural Education Department, (561) 434-8774.
30
May
HAITIAN HERITAGE MONTH
The Haitian Heritage Month Resolution
recommends that the Superintendent
and the School Board of Palm Beach
County School District do hereby recognize the month of May as Haitian
Heritage month and showcase the
unique diversity of the Haitian culture
and contributions.
As part of the Haitian Heritage Month
Celebration, the district’s Haitian Heritage Month committee organizes several activities along with the community . They
include: Art Exhibit, Essay contest, Heritage Night, Storytelling, etc.
Other celebrations are coordinated between the committee and the community. You can
visit the district Haitian Heritage Month Website at http://www.palmbeach.k12.fl.us/
PublicAffairs/Creole/HaitianHeritageMonth2004.htm. You also can submit your activities to be listed in our yearly calendar.
The goals of the Haitian Heritage Month are,
•
to promote multicultural
awareness, understanding and
acceptance of diversity in our
society in order to better educate our student population
and strengthen their selfesteem, which will contribute
to improve their academic
achievement,
•
to dispel the common negative
stereotypes and perceptions
about Haitians due to a lack of
awareness about their culture
and their humanity, and foster
more harmony, unity, and understanding in our schools and our communities, and
•
to recognize the valuable contributions of the Haitian people in the history of the
United States, the countries of the Western hemisphere and the whole world.
31
APPENDICES
Appendix A:
Appendix B:
Appendix C.
Appendix D.
Appendix E.
Appendix F.
Appendix G.
Appendix H.
Appendix I.
Haiti’s Flag and Coat of Arms
Map of Haiti
Age/Grade Level Comparison Haiti vs. U.S.
The Haitian Heritage Month Resolution
The April 2003 Press Release
Proposed Statewide Resolution in Florida
Photographs of School/District Activities
Quiz Answers
References
32
APPENDIX A: HAITI’S FLAG AND COAT OF ARMS
33
APPENDIX B: MAP OF HAITI
Area: 10,714 sq. mi.
Capital: Port-au-Prince
Location: Caribbean Sea
First Inhabitants: Arawaks
Topography: 75% Mountains
Highest Point: Pic la Selle 8,793 feet
Currency: Gourde ($ 1=38.50 gourdes)
National Anthem: La Dessalinienne
Population: around 7.6 million (2004)
Languages: Creole, French
34
APPENDIX C: AGE/GRADE LEVEL COMPARISON HAITI vs US
HAITI
AGE
LEVEL
IN
YEARS
U.S.A.
GRADE
LEVEL
* GRADE NAME 1
* GRADE NAME 2
* GRADE NAME 3
5
7ème primaire
13ème
Jardin d’enfants
=
KG
6
6ème primaire
12ème
Préparatoire I
=
Grade 1
7
5ème primaire
11ème
Préparatoire II
=
Grade 2
8
4ème primaire
10ème
Elémentaire I
=
Grade 3
9
3ème primaire
9ème
Elémentaire II
=
Grade 4
10
2ème primaire
8ème
Moyen I
=
Grade 5
11
1ère primaire
7ème
Moyen II
=
Grade 6
12
6ème segondaire
6ème
6ème
=
Grade 7
13
5ème segondaire
5ème
5ème
=
Grade 8
14
4ème segondaire
4ème
4ème
=
Grade 9
15
3ème segondaire
3ème
3ème
=
Grade 10
16
Segonde
2ème / Segonde
Segonde
=
Grade 11
17
Rhétorique
1ère / Rhéto
Rhétorique (Bacc. I)
=
Grade 12
18
Philosophie
Terminale
Philosophie (Bacc. II)
=
Pre-College
* These different nomenclatures, mainly at the primary level, are used in Haiti depending on the part of the country.
** The shaded area represent the secondary level.
The traditional education system, based on the French model, begins with seven years of
primary education followed by seven years of secondary education.
In the reform system, the primary cycle lasts for nine years followed by three years of
secondary education.
National tests are administered at the end of the primary and the secondary cycle.
Higher education is provided by state universities and other public and private institutions under the responsibility of the Ministry of Education.
35
APPENDIX D: THE HAITIAN HERITAGE MONTH RESOLUTION
36
APPENDIX E: THE APRIL 2003 PRESS RELEASE
37
APPENDIX F: PROPOSED STATEWIDE RESOLUTION TO PROCLAIM
MAY HAITIAN HERITAGE MONTH IN FLORIDA
108th CONGRESS - 1st Session
H. RES. 241
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
May 19, 2003
RESOLUTION
Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that there should be established a “HaitianAmerican Heritage Month”.
Whereas the histories of the United States and Haiti are inextricably intertwined;
Whereas the United States and Haiti share a common bond of mutual values and a long-standing
commitment to democratic principles;
Whereas Haitians and Americans fought side-by-side in the American Revolution at Savannah,
Georgia in 1779;
Whereas Major Joseph Savary, a Haitian and the first black major in the United States Army, led
the Second Battalion of Freemen of Color which fought under General Andrews;
Whereas Haiti was the second country in the Western Hemisphere, after the United States, to revolt
against European colonial rule and win its independence;
Whereas May 18th is Flag Day and is the most celebrated holiday in Haiti and is also celebrated by
people of Haitian descent throughout the world;
Whereas the United States was founded and built by immigrants from every country in the world,
including Haiti, and the strength of the United States lies in its diversity;
Whereas an estimated 1.2 million people in the United States are of Haitian descent and approximately 700,000 of them live in Florida;
Whereas Haitian-Americans are noted for their achievements in literature, music, business, and the
arts;
Whereas Haitian-Americans have deeply enriched American culture and play significant roles in
shaping the United States;
Whereas May is a time of celebration, cultural awareness, and traditional observance for HaitianAmericans; and
Whereas May is an appropriate month to establish as “Haitian-American Heritage Month”: Now,
therefore, be it
Resolved, That it is the sense of the House of Representatives that-(1) a “Haitian-American Heritage Month” should be established; and
(2) the people of the United States should observe the month with appropriate
ceremonies, celebrations, and activities.
38
APPENDIX G: PHOTOGRAPHS OF SCHOOL/DISTRICT ACTIVITIES
Plaque Presentation — April 2003
2004 Essay Contest
Winner
Joanne Bartley
May 2004 Art Exhibit
Fulton Holland Educational Services Center
Middle School of the Arts
Haitian Heritage Night
at the District Headquarters
Heritage Month Celebration at Spady EL
Royal Palm School Marquee
Celebration of Haitian Heritage
Month at Forest Park Elementary
May 2003 Haitian Heritage Month Brunch
May 2003 Haitian Heritage Brunch Queens
39
APPENDIX G: PHOTOGRAPHS OF SCHOOL/DISTRICT ACTIVITIES
Forest Park Celebration
Forest Park Celebration
Spady EL Celebration
Spady Elementary School Celebration
School District Celebration
Spady Elementary School Marquee
Spady Elementary School Celebration
School District Celebration
Spady Elementary School Celebration
Spady Elementary School Celebration
2004 Art Exhibit
40
H. H. M. Committee Members
APPENDIX H: QUIZ ANSWERS
History
Geography
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
January 1, 2004
United We’re Strong
Two times
Henri Christophe
Jean Jacques Dessalines
Toussaint Louverture
Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and
Bolivia
8. The Louisiana Purchase
9. November 18, 1803
10. December 6, 1492
11. A Haitian battalion who fought in
Savannah
12. Abraham Lincoln
13. 58 years
14. United States and Haiti
15. In prison, in France
16. Blue and white
17. France and Spain
18. Assassinated by his lieutenants
19. May 18, 1803
20. A treaty in which Spain conceded land to
France
21. La Dessalinienne
22. The run-away slaves
41
1. Port-au-Prince
2. Cap-Haitien, Gonaives, Jacmel, Les
Cayes
3. 10,714 sq. mi.
4. The Dominican Republic
5. About 700 miles
6. Arawaks
7. About 7.6 million
8. Mountainous Lands
9. La Citadelle
10. Pic La Selle
11. La Gonave & La Tortue
Miscellaneous
1. Wyclef Jean
2. Pierre Toussaint
3. Marjorie Vincent
4. Jean Baptiste Pointe DuSable
5. Gourde
6. Creole &French
7. Joseph Savary
8. Marie P. St. Fleur
9. Agriculture
10. The Pearl of the Antilles
APPENDIX I: REFERENCES
U.S. State Department Website, http://www.state.gov/r/pa/ei/biog/4417.htm
Eladio Fernandez, http://www.camacdonald.com/birding/carhaiti.htm
Haiti & the U.S.A.: Neighbors Linked by History and Community
http://www.haiti-usa.org/index.php
http://www.palmbeach.k12.fl.us/multicultural/
http://www.palmbeach.k12.fl.us/PublicAffairs/Creole/Creole-Home.htm
http://www.palmbeach.k12.fl.us/PublicAffairs/Creole/HaitianHeritageMonth2004.htm
http://www.dade.k12.fl.us/socsci/resources/HaitianHeritage/
http://www.miamidade.gov/mayor/library/2004/04-04-29-hatian_heritage.pdf
http://www.hauinc.org/html/programs/indexHeritageMonth.asp
http://www.hauinc.org/html/bulletin/pdf/2004_Haitian_Heritage_Month_Events_Calendar.pdf
http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/z?c108:H.+Res.+241:
http://www.wau.org/resources/saints/saintarchive/toussaint.html
http://www.randomhouse.com/features/danticat/
http://www.odci.gov/cia/publications/factbook/geos/ha.html
42
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43